Non-Medicated pain relief choices

It appears that the more we discover about non medicated pain relief choices in labour, the more we return to how things were done previously. I have been more interested in alternative, traditional approaches to supporting and comforting the birthing person, this is because they are proven to have less side effects. I will introduce known practices that are known and proven to provide relief and little-no side effects.

Water/hydrotherapy

What is it?
birthing pool/ bath filled with hot water or shower head.
What do you do?
Squat, move and lay in water during labour; sometimes until your baby is born. Or having a shower head above and all around the body in labour.
How much pain relief?
Known to help the birthing body to relax and “take the edge off the peak of surges/contractions”. (various clients).
How long does it take to work?
Immediate.
Any extra procedures?
None. It’s possible to use birthing pools for relief in labour, but plan your baby’s birth “on land”/ out of the pool..
Risks to baby?
Breathing problems and infections carried in the water (rare).
Side effects for mother/pregnant person?
None.
Effect on labour and delivery?
None.
(Birth Pools are provided within my Box Set Doula service).

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/TENS

What is it?
A gentle electrical current is passed through pads on your back.
What do you do?
You press a button to control the strength of the current.
How much pain relief?
Mild. Tingling feeling helps reduce the pain. Ideal to reduce backache in early labour
How long does it take to work?
Five minutes to put on the pads and set up.
Any extra procedures?
None.
Risks to baby?
None.
Side effects for mother/pregnant person?
None.
Effect on labour and delivery?
None.
(TENS are provided within my Bump, Birth and Baby Doula service).

Alternative Therapies

What is it?
Acupuncture, acupressure or hypnotherapy
What do you do?
You will need to arrange for a therapist to be with you during the birth.
How much pain relief?
May help you relax and make the contractions seem less painful.
How long does it take to work?
Works as soon as the therapy starts.
Any extra procedures?
None.
Risks to baby?
None.
Side effects for mother/pregnant person?
None.
Effect on labour and delivery?
None.

Above information taken from taken from Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association/OAA for mothers website.

Whilst working as a Midwife I trained in providing acupuncture to provide pain relief in labour and is available for families who hire me for in-person birth care/The Bump, Baby and Birth package.

We know that aromatherapy and massage/touch can provide relief and comfort in labour. I have a handy video that shows you how to make your own Labour oil and should be shared with any birth partners attending.

Massage and Touch

Don't forget the importance of touch in labour. This video is for birthing partners to watch and perfect. To be used with the labour massage oil video above.

hot/cold compresses

This is simply a cloth/flannel that has been put in war water, wrung out and placed at the perineum and is said to reduce severe tears according to research. Put this into your birth plan and discuss with your birthing Midwife.

Rebozo

The Rebozo is a very long, woven cloth. It's used to 'sift' or jiggle the pregnant abdomen and pelvis in labour as well as other uses such as positioning and baby wearing. Used by Mexican/Mayan Midwives and handed down from Mother to daughter or Midwife to Midwife. Watch this video to see how it's used.